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1 August 2015

Blog Gem - Archie and the Rug

I love everything about this Blog. The content, the photography and above all the name. Archie and the Rug is such an adorable name and finding out where the name came from was utterly moving to say the least. Read on to find out all about the fabulous person behind this blog.

Hello there, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Nicolette and I am gracefully pushing 40. I currently live between Paris and the tiny West Yorkshire village of Cornholme. I live there with my perfect baby son, husband and dog. I work as a freelance journalist and presenter as well as creating content for my blog. I craft, renovate interiors and develop recipes and I am currently writing my first book for the wonderful people at Quercus Books.

What is your creative space like?

The place in which I work has changed so much over my lifetime, perhaps as I have such a touch of gypsy in my soul. Living that way it has allowed me to learn how to create in any space, from the back of a van to a corner of a dining table. I am naturally thrilled to have a dedicated space for Archie and the Rug in my new home in Yorkshire that I am currently renovating. I have been writing about the ongoing renovations and cannot wait to share the final reveal of my new office/craft space but for now I am still crafting gypsy style.

If you had to take only one craft tool to a desert island, what would you each choose and why?

A craft knife. I would make intricate cut work into large leaves, cut long thin blades of grass that I could weave and knit, carve wooden twigs and fruit stones.

How do you work and get inspired?

The problem I find is switching my mind off I am continually thinking of new things to do. I love to walk and get lost in Paris and explore the hills of Yorkshire. I am inspired by the colours and textures that I see. I love to listen to music or watch old movies or read comic books all of which spark in me my own creativity. Although I love Instagram and Pinterest I find it more beneficial to seek inspiration away from the creativity of others to make sure my ideas are my own.

Whoever said 'Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention' was a genius because it is entirely true, for example renovating my house has my mind filled with crafts for interiors. Just as working around a toddler inspired my to create freeze ahead recipes. We all have things that we need or desire in our daily lives and if we allow ourselves time to ponder we can come up with wonderful crafty or delicious inventions.

What top tips would you give to anyone starting a blog?

Find your own voice, don't get obsessed with stats concentrate on content. Engage with the online community, we are really very nice. Always tag your photos in the ALT TXT section believe me it will work wonders.

Is there a story behind the name 'Archie and the Rug'?

Yes there is, a very simple one. At the time of starting the blog I had breast cancer, and it was the reason I started blogging. During that hard time the the only two sources of love that did not know I was ill were my dogs and so much solace was brought to me from a good long dog hug! Sam was a fluffy old thing and would lie sprawled in front of the fire like a rug, hence his nickname. Archie was his younger sibling and shadow, Archie and The Rug was born. Sadly Sam passed away but lives on in my heart and on the blog.

If you could go to a Creative Blog Award dinner with any 5 people and/or fictional characters (dead or alive), who would you choose?

My word this is a tough one. First of all Joss Whedon, I love everything he has written. He writes funny, pathos, drama and musical numbers. He created Buffy The Vampire Slayer and can do no wrong. Amy Butler, I love her fabrics and style I would love to share a cocktail or two with her whilst she gives me tips on colour theory. Michael Sheen, I think I may love him. I am a left wing socialist left blowing in the wind and every time he speaks and writes I feel the fire in his belly, please Michael leave Hollywood and go into politics! Yorick Brown. Okay this one you will only get if you read as many graphic novels as I do but how often do you get the chance to invite a fictional character to dinner. Yorick is from 'Y The Last Man'. He was my first crush and makes just as many random pop culture references as I do. Last but not least my granny. My granny had Alzheimers in her last years and passed before my son was born and my writing took off. I would love to have her as she was for one last meal to tell her that she was my inspiration and her belief in me keeps me moving forward.

And finally...if you had to choose one song to represent 'Archie and the Rug', what would it be and why?

Well music is a huge part of my life and to pick just one song is very hard but I will have to go with Jump by Kris Kross because it is guaranteed to make me happy and make me jump of course and an unhappy blogger is no good to anyone.

Thank you so much, Nicolette. It's been wonderful hearing all about your creative world.

I think that's very true about finding creative inspiration not soley through others and also through necessity.

I hope you have all enjoyed this month's Blog Gem. Catch up on previous interviews here and happy blogging folks!

All of the images and interview answers are the copyright of Nicolette at Archie and the Rug. Please do not use without seeking permission first. Thank you.

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A blog that actively shares a creative lifestyle, advocates creative awareness and supports creative brands. You will find ideas & inspiration, discussions & musings, travel & adventure, art & handmade goodies, and exclusive interviews, which discover all about the worlds, struggles, and passions of designer/makers. A blog that basically likes to regularly shout about creativity and those people who bring creativity to the world. Enjoy reading!